Car maintenance tasks you can do yourself

Overview:

When completing car maintenance tasks at home, you may be able to save money and keep your car running smoothly all by yourself. Consider the following: regularly check and adjust tire pressure, inspect tread depth and look for damage to extend your tire life. Check oil pressure and windshield wiper fluid regularly, as well. Change windshield wipers every six to twelve months and use touch-up paint for small chips. Clean and wax your car every few months to protect its finish and clean your headlights for better visibility. Replace interior and trunk light bulbs yourself. For bigger projects like oil changes or battery replacement, follow a car maintenance schedule and consult your owner’s manual for guidance.

By completing car maintenance tasks yourself, you may be able to save money and help retain the resale value of your car. Regular engine maintenance and tire pressure adjustments can help keep fuel costs down. And while many auto repairs should be left to the experts, consider this list of things you may be able to do yourself.

Replace windshield wipers

Windshield wipers are important for driving safety, especially when driving in severe weather. Depending on how often they’re used, think about replacing your windshield wipers every six to twelve months. If they leave streaks, make noise or are hard and cracked, it may be time to install a fresh set. Consult your car's user manual for more information about what type of wipers to buy.

Repair chipped car paint

Dealing with car scratches or chipped car paint is no fun. If your chipped paint spots are minor, a touch-up paint kit might be a good option. This might include cleaning your car’s surface, using a small amount of paint from your kit and applying a clear coat. When repairing your car’s paint chips, try to follow the instructions to get the best results. Popular Mechanics may have detailed instructions on how to fix a car paint scratch.

Inspect your tires

Help ensure your tires are in good condition by maintaining proper air pressure. Here are a few simple checks you can perform to help keep your tires from letting you down.

Inspect your tires on a monthly basis

Consider taking a close look at your tires every month, at minimum. Your tire inspection might note:

• Tread depth — in some states, tread depth that is less than 2/32 of tread depth may be illegal.
• Unevenly worn tires — often an indicator of a potential suspension alignment issue.
• Damaged tires — check for cracks, damage or deterioration.

Reference the inflation placard

For the correct inflation specification, reference the inflation placard. This sticker shares the recommended cold tire pressure (PSI) for all four of your tires, and it's usually located in near the driver’s side door or can be found in the vehicle owner's manual.

Check the inflation pressure

It’s often best to check your tire pressure in the morning before your car is driven. Keep in mind that temperatures may impact tire pressure. Pressure may increase when the temperature gets warmer or decrease when it gets colder.

Restore your cracked windshield

Some windshield repairs are covered by insurance. However, if your windshield has a small chip with minimal to no cracks and you want to fix it yourself, a repair kit may be an option. They generally come with the materials you need and take about an hour to complete. While it's often not possible to fix all chips, you may be able to stop it from growing larger or discoloring.

Wash and wax your car

One of the best ways to maintain your car's exterior is to remove dirt and residue that can damage its finish. It also provides a close-up look at scratches, chips and dings you may not otherwise notice. When washing and waxing your car:

1. Wash the car with a cleaning solution designed for automotive finishes. Work from the top down and use a microfiber washing mitt.
2. Clean your tires with a separate bucket of soap and water so you don't get any grease and grime on the rest of your car.
3. Inspect the paint for any gunk such as bird droppings, tree sap or pollen. If these contaminants are above the surface, a clay bar designed for car care may help remove them.
4. Dry your car thoroughly with fresh towels. Soft, absorbent waffle-weave microfiber drying towels are a good option for your car’s exterior.
5. Apply the car wax. There are several varieties, but a liquid or paste wax applied every three months might help protect and maintain your car's exterior.

Clean your headlights

Keeping your headlights clean can help improve your car's looks and keep you safer on the road when driving at night. Like brushing your teeth, a little toothbrush and elbow grease may brighten things up. To clean your headlights:

• Tape off the areas around the headlights to protect your paint.
• Apply a little dab of toothpaste on a damp cleaning cloth and rub the toothpaste firmly into the headlight. Add more toothpaste and water as needed for about five minutes per headlight.
• Rinse with water to remove any toothpaste.
• After allowing the headlights to dry, apply the car wax.

Replace non-headlight bulbs

The light bulbs in the interior of your car and trunk are often easy to replace. First, you'll need to remove the cover by inserting a screwdriver into the slot on the molding and gently wiggle the cover free. After the cover is removed, you can safely remove and replace the old light bulb. Don't forget to place the cover back on when you are finished.

Completing bigger repairs yourself

Ready to tackle more? You may save more money by tackling bigger auto repair tasks yourself. Your first step could be to make a car maintenance schedule. Once you've made a schedule, you can dive into bigger repairs such as changing your car's oil and oil filter or replacing the car battery before you get stranded and have to jump start your car. Check out more car maintenance tips to help save you money and keep you safe.